NEW roads minister Stephen Hammond has said he will come to Suffolk to continue talks over making improvements to the A14.

The minister made the commitment yesterday after a meeting at the House of Commons with a delegation of the county’s MPs seeking solutions to the key road’s problems and issues with the Orwell Bridge.

Ipswich’s Ben Gummer, Peter Aldous of Waveney district and Bury St Edmunds representative David Ruffley were joined by Suffolk Coastal MP Therese Coffey at the meeting.

The group had previously been in talks with Mr Hammond’s predecessor Mike Penning.

Dr Coffey said the session had been “constructive” and that she was looking forward to securing more investment.

She said: “The A14 is so important to residents and businesses in Suffolk including the Port of Felixstowe and we welcome the progress made so far. Significant investment including the widening of parts of the carriageway on the strategic route to Felixstowe is very welcome and long-needed. There are issues concerning tolling that need to be fully thought through and the minister took this on board.

“It was a constructive meeting and the minister has committed to coming to Suffolk so he can discuss the plans further.”

Dr Coffey added: “We also took the opportunity to discuss with the minister the recent closures and delays caused by accidents on the Orwell Bridge, including the seven-hour closure caused by a lorry load of onions. He recognises the delays caused to motorists and businesses have promised to take this up with the Highways Agency.”